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Date updated: 19/03/2024

At present, there are a number of major works projects underway that will repair and improve our estates. The City of London Corporation's Major Works Core Officer Group has been formed to ensure a consistent approach to communication, programming, and delivery of these works in line with the original vision for our estates and any listed requirements.

List of projects by estate

Current Projects 

Retrofitted Water Suppression Sprinklers Installation to the Point Blocks

The retrofit sprinklers project aims to install fire supressing sprinklers, and heat activated fire alarms inside all flats within East Point, Centre Point, and West Point to protect residents in the unlikely event of a fire. 

Each flat's sprinkler heads and pipes will be independent from each other and having block-wide installation will enhance the overall building safety. 

The majority of communal install has finished, however there has been a noticeable delay in final fittings due to the landlord awaiting sign-off from Southwark Council Building Control.  This delay is not expected to affect residents' homes and is being monitored weekly.  The project team are optimistic sign-off will be received by March/April. 

Please contact PPCR. if you have any questions relating to the Sprinklers project. 

Fire Door Replacement Programme (all blocks excluding Twelve Acres)

A programme of works to replace all front entrance doors, including communal corridor fire doors and fire escape doors. 

The replacement of the fire doors to each block is progressing very well, most of the low level blocks are almost complete.

The communal fire doors for Harman Close are currently being manufactured before we can start the installation works. 

We will also be looking to set up two pilot doors in the Point Blocks before the start of works in approximately six weeks' time.  

Future Projects

George Elliston and Eric Wilkins House - Replacement of Roof, Windows, and additional Works. 

The replacement of roofs and windows and external repairs to George Elliston and Eric Wilkins House. 

The principal designer, Studio Partington have been appointed, and have started initial surveys and a review of existing documentation. In depth surveys will begin in the next couple of months as detailed plans are drawn up and elements of the required works are prioritised. 

Residents will be kept informed of how things are progressing. It is likely that the design team may need access to some, or possibly all, properties to help in their assessments of what is needed.  The next newsletter to residents will include a form for residents who wish to, complete with their contact details so that these may be passed to the design team to arrange access if required. 

MUGA (Ball Games Area) 

The renewal of the surfacing, fencing and facilities of the ball games area.

The City Corporation obtained a report on how trees are affecting the MUGA and what can be done to prevent future damage once facilities are renewed. Options need to be considered in the context of users’ safety, environmental concerns, and the current financial position. Further liaison with Southwark Council may be required to establish what may be done with regards to trees whose roots affect the surfacing and what can be done to mitigate this, in order to find the best overall solution.

Further to the above, the City Corporation have had the area looked at by leisure companies to assess possibilities for the area. These need to be assessed and require further consultation to help establish a way forward. 

Current Projects

Fire Door Replacement 

A programme of works to replace all front entrance doors, including communal corridor fire doors and fire escape doors.

Gerda have been continuing with the installation of the new fire doors.

Works are progressing well and should be completed soon, there are approximately four properties waiting for the installation of the new doors. 

We are currently working with our colleagues in the estate office to arrange for these remaining properties to be completed before moving on to the next phase of works. 

Current Projects

Great Arthur House - Curtain Wall

Unfortunately, the outstanding issues of balcony door handles and brush seals, still need resolution. The City Corporation and John Robertson Architects are continuing to engage with Equans and other firms to try and reach satisfactory conclusions to these matters. Some residents recently suffered water ingress due to heavy rain, but investigations have shown this to be an issue at roof level rather than with the curtain wall. The repair of the leak will be undertaken as soon as possible. 

Window Replacement Programme (Including Wider Redecorations)

The renewal of windows and redecoration of internal and external common parts. 

Crescent House Pilot Project

In December 2023 planning and listed building consent was granted for the Crescent House windows refurbishment project. Now that planning permission is in place, the project team can finalise the scope of the works; along with the obvious elements like the windows themselves, the team must consider existing mould and damp removal, how residents are relocated during works, care of their possessions etc. Once the scope of the project is finalised the Quantity Surveyor can work up final cost estimates. 

Last year, the team completely refurbished flat 347 Crescent as a pilot to be better informed on costs and any practical challenges which may arise. Subsequently, in November 2023, residents and other stakeholders were able to visit the finished flat to see the vacuum glazed windows and overall quality of works. 

During the cold months, 'lived-in' testing will be carried out in the pilot flat. This means essential data will be collected on how the new ventilation system deals with real life shower taking, laundry drying and water boiling etc! In January Crescent House residents had the opportunity to meet the ventilation system expert to find out more about the design of the system and the testing that had already been undertaken. 

Wider Estate

An accelerated programme has been in place to bring on the design work and investigation into the wider estate including Stanley Cohen, Maisonette blocks and Cullum Welch. Reports for these blocks are also available on the main website. 

Specialist manufacturers and contractors have also been engaged with the remaining blocks. The next steps for the remaining blocks will be to start the structural surveys and roof inspections. 

Please visit the Golden Lane Windows project website for the latest news. 

We will continue to add to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) document on our website as well as show notes taken from the Resident Liaison Group.

If you have any further queries or comments these can be directed through the Communications Consultant Thorncliffe ‘Your Shout’

Great Arthur House Retrofitted Water Suppression Sprinklers Installation

The retrofit sprinkler project aims to install fire supressing sprinklers, and heat activated fire alarms inside all flats within Great Arthur House to protect residents in the unlikely event of a fire. 

Each flat's sprinkler heads and pipes will be independent from each other and having block-wide installation will enhance the overall building safety. 

Adjustment to Great Arthur House programme has been scheduled to merge the objectives of this project with the planned fire door and compartmentation project to create one fire safety package project. We will keep you updated on further information. 

Please contact PPCR. if you have any questions relating to the Sprinklers project. 

Great Arthur House - Fire Safety

All residents of Great Arthur House will have received a letter with the latest updates on the fire safety works with the following information.

Important notice - Fire Safety Works - Fire Alarm - To maintain integrity of the fire alarm system and to prevent unnecessary activation:

  • Do NOT paint or cover the detector.
  • Do NOT tamper with the detector.

The detectors will require annual maintenance including inspections. Should there be a fault or if you have any queries or concerns, please contact the Estate Office on 020 7253 2556.

A reminder that smoking in communal areas is prohibited and that smoking within the flats, especially near the detector, may trigger the alarm. 

A functional fire alarm has been installed and set as a phase evacuation, where the fire alarm activates from the two floors above and one below will evacuate the building, and the remaining floors will receive an intermittent beep to standby.

Should any resident have questions about the alarm system, including the evacuation process, please contact the Estate Office.

Great Arthur House - Fire Door and Compartmentation

Fire compartmentation works and installation of Fire Doors to meet statutory requirements as laid out in Part B of the Buildings Regulations 2010.

This project is currently on hold as the scope of this project will be driven to a large extent by the works being undertaken on the sprinkler project. We are continuing to engage across both projects as we proceed.

The brief/scope of the Fire Compartmentation project will be developed further as the Sprinkler project progresses, and we will continue to keep you updated. Please keep an eye on the notice boards and Housing Major Works website for further updates on the Fire Compartmentation project.

Heating - Crescent House and Cullum Welch House

The installation of communal heating and hot water to residential properties.

The installation of the communal heating and hot water to residential properties will not be progressing in the immediate future. Properties will remain on individual heating systems for now.

Lighting, Signage and Accessible Routes

Upgrade of the existing communal external lighting provision to modern, energy-efficient fittings. 

This project has currently been paused but essential repairs should be reported via our repairs team. 

COLPAI

Contractors ISG are currently on-site undertaking construction works to deliver 66 new social homes and a new primary school. As a local authority, we are committed to smart, safe, and motivated working. During these difficult times, we must ensure that we operate 'Business Continuity'. This means having a robust plan in place in order to keep moving forward, contribute to the economy, keep our workforce mobilised and ensure we are in the best possible position to deliver for the local community.

Please note that approval allowing residents to move into the building is delayed because we need to fix an area of brickwork on the western side, located behind the balconies. 

We are currently discussing when and how to resolve the issue, and whether new residents can move in before or during the planned work. 

We will keep you updated with the latest information and a schedule for the repairs once it has been confirmed. 

Construction Activities

Please be aware that ISG will not maintain a daily management presence on site, at least until remedial actions have been agreed upon. 

Working Hours

The consented working hours are: 

  • Monday to Friday - 8am to 6pm
  • Saturday - 9am to 2pm

The consented reduced impact hours are:

  • Monday to Friday 10am to 12pm and Saturday 2pm to 4pm.

During reduced impact hours, works will still take place on-site. However, works will not involve percussive machinery or other similar construction involving heavy machinery. 

On-Site Security

  • Security guard on-site full time 7am - 6.30pm

KEY CONTACTS For site emergencies, please contact:

John Macleod, T: 07816 337 792

Pui Wong, T: 07866 988 932

For general enquiries, please email the COLPAI Project Team or call 0800 772 0475

Please visit our COLPAI monitoring data to view monthly monitoring data results. The monitoring data is also available on the site noticeboard.

You can view the progress with images from taken from site.  

We would encourage everyone to opt-in to the digital newsletter by visiting our project website or emailing the COLPAI Project Team to ensure we are able to stay in touch should physical distributions become unsustainable.

Future Projects 

Fire Door Replacement Programme (All blocks excluding Great Arthur House) 

A programme of works to replace all front entrance doors within City of London Corporation Housing Managed residential blocks of flats, the replacement of any communal corridor fire doors and fire escape doors from flats with fire doors that give up to 60 minutes fire resistance (30 minutes as an absolute minimum where 60 minutes is not achievable).

Procurement for the Fire Door Replacement Project is underway at several other Estates. A measured survey for the doors to be replaced at Golden Lane Estate, will be scheduled in due course ahead of the formal design process required to satisfy heritage constraints. 

Current Projects

Window Replacement (Including redecorations) 

Window renewal and internal/external common parts, redecorations across multiple estates. 

Work Progress:

Holloway Estate & Communal Area Completed Works: -

  • Communal decoration works (internals and externals) Carpentry works, boundary wall brickwork repairs, guttering and pipework. 
  • Window and extractor fans installations. 
  • Energy Performance and fire risk assessments completed. 
  • Scaffold with alarm. 

Whitby Court (Flats & Houses) & Communal Area: - 

  • Communal decoration works (internals and externals): Carpentry works, boundary wall brickwork repairs, guttering and pipework. 
  • Window and extractor fans installations. 
  • Energy Performance and fire risk assessments completed. 
  • Scaffold with alarm. 

Practical Completion

Practical Completion of the project was completed on the 24 January 2024. 

Current Projects

Communal Heating / Cold Water Distribution System Replacement

The replacement of current heating system with modern facilities and a programme of control activities, repair and replacement works to water supply systems for which the City Corporation is responsible across Housing Revenue Account Estates. This includes communal hot/cold water storage tanks, communal pipework, individual hot/cold storage tanks and pipework in tenanted properties, hot/cold water tanks and pipework in estate offices.

The communal heating system works is progressing well in Petticoat Square.  Some residents are experiencing noise issues in Petticoat Tower from the existing system, but we are unable to drain down the old existing system as there are five leaseholders that are refusing access for their installations.  We are working with our colleagues in the estate office and legal department to overcome this. 

If there are any issues, residents can contact TSG using the usual repairs line 0800 035 0003 or you can email TSG.

Play Area Refurbishment - Middlesex Street Podium

The City Corporation are continuing to work with the installer to try and find a permanent solution to the issue of static shocks. Whilst the issue may not be so prevalent during the colder months, the City Corporation do recognise that this could reoccur. We do ask all residents who experience shocks to make sure that they report these to the estate office.

Petticoat Tower Retrofitted Water Suppression Sprinklers Installation

The retrofit sprinklers project aims to install fire supressing sprinklers, and heat activated fire alarms inside all flats within Petticoat Tower, to protect residents in the unlikely event of a fire. 

Each flat's sprinkler heads and pipes will be independent from each other and having block-wide installation will enhance the overall building safety. 

Harmony Fire are currently carrying out the fire safety upgrade installations. 

Work progress so far :- 

  • Tank has been fully constructed.
  • Pipework from pumps to tanks and incoming supply for tank is now complete. 
  • Pipework installation is 30% completed in the communal areas. 
  • Electrical 1st fix is 80% completed in the communal areas. 

We held our second 'Meet the Contractor' event on the 13 February, where senior City of London Corporation staff were in attendance, also representatives from the London Fire Brigade and the British Automatic Fire Sprinklers Association (BAFSA). 

Please contact PPCR. if you have any questions relating to the Sprinklers project. 

We have added an additional questions and answers information leaflet on the retrofit sprinklers, following our 26 April 2022 webinar.  

Upcoming works:- 

  • Completion of communal sprinkler pipework 1st fix.
  • 2nd fixing of electrical equipment in the communal areas. 
  • Ground floor sprinkler fit out works.  

Petticoat Lane Market Project

As part of the Petticoat Lane project that City of London Corporation is undertaking in partnership with London Borough of Tower Hamlets, the City Corporation's team contractor undertook works to the northern part of Middlesex Street at its junction with Bishopsgate. 

We also removed the granite planters from Middlesex Street and planted six Acer trees in the ground.  We are now liaising with LB of Tower Hamlets team in preparation for repaving the footway outside the Middlesex Street Estate. 

If you would like more information or have any questions about the project email the Policy and Projects Team.

Middlesex Street Area Enhancements - Artizan Street Landscaping Project

If you have questions regarding progress, please do not hesitate to contact the Project Manager at City Public Realm.

Outdoor Leisure Facilities

If you have questions regarding the progress of the outdoor leisure facilities, please do not hesitate to contact the Project Manager at City Public Realm

Future Projects 

Concrete Repairs

This project is on hold due to expenditure review. The design, specification and estimate costings have been completed.

Current Projects

Window replacement including Redecorations (Sumner Buildings, Stopher House and Pakeman House)

Window renewal and internal/external common parts redecorations across multiple estates. 

Work Progress: 

Works in delivery. 

  • Architects are in the process to review/approve the window drawings. 
  • Decoration Works: 
    • Sumner Buildings: Redecoration works ongoing. 
    • Pakeman House: Snagging and final inspection of the redecoration works ongoing. 
    • Stopher House: Snagging and final inspection of the redecoration works ongoing. 

Practical Completion date expected on 3 May 2024.                         

Site Manager - Ian Bedneau 07842 001 956 

Assistant Site Manager - Aditya Yemjal 07842 001 950.

Scaffold alarm emergency call-out / Panthera Group - 0845 165 1234. 

If no response from the above numbers please call the following numbers: 

Etec Contracts Manager - Mike Graham 07736 908 328.

Etec Operations Manager - James Burton 07908 067 889

Etec Business Manager - David Shaw 07539 468 564.

Your dedicated RLO is Tony Murray, who will be happy to assist with any queries relating to the works. A Frequently Asked Questions sheet (FAQ) is available on request. 

If you have any further queries in the meantime, you can contact the Major Works Team

Fire Door Replacement Programme (all blocks excluding Horace Jones House)

A programme of works to replace all front entrance doors within the City Corporation Housing managed residential blocks of flats, the replacement of any communal corridor fire doors and fire escape doors from flats with fire doors that give up to 60 minutes fire resistance (30 minutes as an absolute minimum where 60 minutes is not achievable).

Work is progressing well at Sumner Buildings, and should be completed soon, there are approximately three properties waiting for the installation of the new doors. 

We are currently working with our colleagues in the estate office to arrange for these remaining properties to be completed before moving on to the next phase of works.  

Future Projects 

Concrete Testing and Repair

A concrete testing contract was procured to assess the current condition of the pre-cast concrete elements on the Southwark Estate blocks and to make any repair recommendations. A concrete repair contract will follow to remedy the defects noted.

Concrete Repairs at Southwark Estate have been postponed and will not commence until the window project renewal is completed. Concrete repairs start date Spring 2024. 

Current Projects

Windows Programme (including redecorations)

Window renewal and internal/external common parts redecorations across multiple estates. 

Project Progress: 

Lammas Green 

  • Double glazed windows and mechanical ventilation have been installed. 
  • 99% redecoration works and snagging completed. 
  • Scaffold strike to front and back elevations. 

Otto Close

  • Double glazed windows and extract fans completed on Otto Close.
  • 99% redecoration works and snagging completed. 
  • Scaffold strike to front and back elevations. 

Practical Completion date expected on 14 March 2024.  

If you have any further queries in the meantime, you can contact the Major Works Team. Or the Site Manager Ian Haywood on 07759 838 603.

Future Projects

Fire Door Replacement Programme

A programme of works to replace all front entrance doors within the City Corporation Housing managed residential blocks of flats, the replacement of any communal corridor fire doors and fire escape doors from flats with fire doors that give up to 60 minutes fire resistance (30 minutes as an absolute minimum where 60 minutes is not achievable).

Procurement for the Fire Door Replacement Project is underway at several other Estates. A measured survey for the doors to be replaced at the Sydenham Hill Estate will be scheduled for later in the year.

Future Projects

Windows Programme (including redecorations) 

Window renewal and internal/external common parts redecorations across multiple estates. 

Pre-tender section 20 leaseholder consultations for the services of a design team closed on 11 March 2024.  Following this the procurement for the design team will begin.  Subject to a successful tender, the statutory post-tender consultations will then be undertaken.  

Once appointed, the design team will be working alongside the project team undertaking pre-planning advice ahead of submitting a new planning application.  While the planning applications are underway the design team will also be working alongside the project team drawing specifications to re-tender for the works, which will also be subject to the statutory pre and post tender section 20 consultations with leaseholders.,

Subject to successful statutory consultations, tenders, planning consents and further committee approvals, the works are expected to start early 2025.

Fire Door Replacement Programme 

A programme of works programme of works to replace all front entrance doors within the City Corporation Housing managed residential blocks of flats, the replacement of any communal corridor fire doors and fire escape doors from flats with fire doors that give up to 60 minutes fire resistance (30 minutes as an absolute minimum where 60 minutes is not achievable). 

Gerda who have been contracted to install the fire doors have almost completed the installation of the doors. There are approximately four properties still to complete.

We are currently working with our colleagues in the estate office to arrange for these remaining properties to be completed before moving on to the next phase of works. 

Current Projects

Windows Programme (Including redecorations) 

Window renewal and internal/external common parts redecorations across multiple estates. 

Work progress:

  • Snagging and final inspection of the redecoration works ongoing. 
  • Dormer window replacement ongoing. 

Practical Completion date expected on 6 June 2024.

For further issues residents can call the following numbers: 

Site Manager - Robert Jacob 07842 001 953

Scaffold alarm emergency call-out - Strong Guard Security 08006 120 749. 

If no response from the above numbers please call the following numbers: 

Etec Contracts Manager - Mike Graham 07736 908 328.

Etec Operations Manager - James Burton 07908 067 889.

Etec Business Manager - David Shaw 07539 468 564.

Should you have any queries, please feel free to contact Matthew Jonas - Resident Liaison Officer on 07842 001 954 or email Matthew.

If you have any further queries in the meantime, you can contact the Major Works Team.

Future Projects 

Fire Door Replacement Programme

A programme of works to replace all front entrance doors within the City Corporation Housing managed residential blocks of flats, the replacement of any communal corridor fire doors and fire escape doors from flats with fire doors that give up to 60 minutes fire resistance (30 minutes as an absolute minimum where 60 minutes is not achievable). 

Procurement for the Fire Door Replacement Project is underway at several other Estates. A measured survey for the doors to be replaced at Windsor House will be scheduled for later in the year.

Current Projects

Communal Heating

Replacement Heating System for three larger blocks on York Way Estate. 

All works are now complete. The draft Operations & Maintenance has been submitted for review, before the settling of final accounts.  

Any further queries regarding the heating works, please contact TSG or visit the site office located outside of Kinefold House. 

New Development of 91 Homes

The City Corporation has entered into a construction contract with Higgins PLC to develop 91 new homes at the York Way Estate, alongside new landscaping and play spaces, a new Community Centre and a new Estate Office. 

A Resident Wide Construction Update meeting was held on 7 February 2024, the next meeting will be held in April/May 2024.

Site Progress

Block A - Swaledale House – Installation of columns and 1st floor concrete slab. 

Block B - Herdwick House – Installation of columns and 1st floor concrete slab. 

Block C - Ryeland House – Installation of columns and 1st floor concrete slab. 

Block D - Abderdale House – Basement piling and installation of ground beams. 

If you have any concerns or questions about the development, please contact the Resident Liaison Team in-person Monday to Friday in the Resident Liaison Office & Respite Centre or email them at York Way-Higgins or call Ruzi Bibi on 07773 540 602.

Please continue to check the York Way Estate website for updates.

Fire Doors

A Programme of works to replace all front entrance doors within the City Corporation Housing managed residential blocks of flats, the replacement of any communal corridor fire doors and fire escape doors from flats with fire doors that give up to 60 minutes fire resistance (30 minutes as an absolute minimum where 60 minutes is not achievable).

Additional doors are now scheduled to be installed in the garage area, these are currently being fabricated and will be installed soon.

Future Projects

Corridor Lighting and Redecoration of Internal Common Spaces

Project Briefing document completed and awaiting approval from Housing Programme Board.

Ventilation

Looking at the options for upgrade/replacement of the existing ventilation system. 

If residents have any issues with regard to the ventilation within their homes, these should continue to be reported through the repair system. The ventilation issue is to be considered as a future project, subject to need, and the necessary approvals being granted. 

Play Area Refurbishment

To update equipment within the play area.

This project is on hold as future play facilities are to be considered as part of the redevelopment works at York Way estate.

Fire Safety

Home visits and fire alarm fitting

The Fire Brigade currently deliver free Home Fire Safety Visits every year and with the visits they will also fit fire alarms in all areas where fires can start, including bedrooms and living rooms.

The London Fire Brigade now provide specialist alarms for deaf people/people with hearing impairments. They can provide standalone alarm systems and replacement alarm heads for bellman systems as part of a Home Fire Safety Visit. The alarms are free of charge and are fitted as part of the Home Fire Safety Visit.

If you are interested in receiving a visit from the London Fire Brigade or would like further information on the fire alarms, please call Freephone 0800 028 4428 or email the Fire Brigade.

Housing Fire Safety

Residents are able to view Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for all of the City Corporation estates from the Housing Fire Safety Web page.

Leaseholder Payment Options

The City Corporation recognises that it can be difficult for some leaseholders to pay for the cost of major works to their property in one go. We therefore have several ways to support you with this. To view the latest guide to the payment options for leaseholders take a look at the Leaseholder Payments booklet under the heading 'supporting information'.

Supporting Information

York Way Estate Construction Site Plan (111KB)
A construction site plan showing the location of each development block on the York Way Estate.
Date submitted: 13/07/23
Great Arthur House Sprinkler Q and A
Great Arthur House questions and answers information booklet.
Date submitted: 30/06/22
Petticoat Tower Sprinkler System Information PDF (700KB)
Date submitted: 12/07/21
Petticoat Tower Sprinklers FAQs PDF (650KB)
Additional questions and answers for Petticoat Tower Sprinklers
Date submitted: 30/05/22
Petticoat Tower Retrofitted Water Suppression Sprinklers FAQs PDF (200KB)
Date submitted: 8/06/21
FAQ's Window Projects General - Windsor PDF (176KB)
frequently asked questions on the windows project for Windsor House
Date submitted: 9/11/22
FAQ's Window Projects General - Southwark PDF (272KB)
Frequently asked questions on the window project for Southwark Estate.
Date submitted: 9/11/22
Sydenham Hill Windows FAQ1 PDF (4.00KB)
Frequently asked questions 1 for Sydenham Hill Windows.
Date submitted: 9/11/22
Sydenham Hill Windows FAQ 2 PDF (4.00KB)
Sydenham Hill Frequently asked questions for the windows project.
Date submitted: 9/11/22
Leaseholder Payments PDF (450KB)
Date submitted: 23/12/19